related to our fi elds, but from varying viewpoints and backgrounds. In this age of mistrust of law enforce- ment, we need to be able to address so- cial issues not as they are, but how we (and others) see them. All of us have different backgrounds, we have differ- ent experiences, and those experiences are what color the lenses with which we view the world.
While on patrol, offi cers are constantly making decisions. On domestic distur- bances, the suggestion to separate for the night may work for one family but not another. Then what? We’re expected to solve problems, not just call for the supervisor when our suggestions don’t work. The educated offi cer may have a plan B, plan C, even a plan D. The edu- cated offi cer has experience problem solving and the communication skills to deliver his/her intended message to get the desired result.
Too often police are accused of not being fair. The immediate retort of “life isn’t fair” cannot be the knee-jerk response. Educated of- ficers have learned how to better understand their residents. The communities they serve need to know what their officer can, and will, do for them. Officers should not treat people equally, they should offer them what they need when they need it. This is the es- sence of fair policing. Police offi cers are expected to be professionals and live under a higher level of scrutiny. Through the maturing process of attending college and conquering the added responsibilities placed upon them, higher education seems like the logical step. During this educa- tional time, oral and written skills are improving, which in turn, re- sult in better reporting and testi- fying. Also during this time, your offi cer is being educated on evolv- ing technology. Without constant education, the evolution of technol- ogy can become overwhelming and leave resistant offi cers struggling. Adults often joke that our chil- dren and grandchildren are more technologically savvy than we are. By obtaining higher education, that technology will become common-
place. Grant writing, statistical crime analysis, traffic studies and accident plotting with reconstruction are all tasks innumerably aided by evolving technol- ogy. Why compile statistics by hand, when computers can be your partner? If at this point, administrators are still hesitant to tackle the cost of higher learn- ing for our offi cers, let’s look at it like this: Money is continually being spent on training seminars to keep our offi cers up on the latest crime trends and law updates. Why? Because we know our of- fi cers need the education.
Why not look at the cost of higher education as preventative, positive training to avoid the cost of negative disciplinary retraining or worse still, legal costs. It is widely accepted that the higher educated the offi cer, the less likely he/she is to resort to violence. Cops will still be cops, we will go hands on, we will arrest, and we will be sued. Why not do our best to prevent the law- suits before they occur?
The higher the education level of our
offi cers, the less likely they are to fall- ing into the trap of contempt of cop. The better educated offi cers will have a more complete “toolbox” from which to draw as opposed to immediately resorting to violence.
As an administrator, if you are ap- proached by an offi cer who wants to pursue higher education to better him/ herself and the department, congratu- late the offi cer, wish him/her well in his/her endeavors, and consider your- self lucky to have such a driven and motivated employee.
Beth Sanborn is a 18-year veteran of the Lower Gwynedd, Penn. Police Department currently assigned as an SRO. She may be reached at
sans036@hotmail.com.
LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting
www.lawandordermag.com
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